Red Cross urges increase in blood donations

As many as 44,000 blood donations are needed every day across the country to meet the needs of patients, and health care officials say the need is more difficult to meet around the holidays.

That’s why the American Red Cross is asking people to make an appointment to donate by visiting red­crossblood.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities include two in Jackson County and one in Jennings County.

They include from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at First Baptist Church, 505 Community Drive, Seymour; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 22 at Walmart Supercenter, 1600 E. Tipton St., Seymour.

A drive is planned from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Senior Citizens Center, 515 Buckeye St., North Vernon.

To give, call 800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for information.

All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.